About
All About Community Living Centers
Promoting Wellness and Independence
Our Mission
Community Living Centers, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1968 to care for people with developmental disabilities. Our mission is to provide enriching opportunities for people with developmental disabilities that respects and supports each individual’s success and growth through making personal choices in an atmosphere of success. Our goal is to provide safe and comfortable homes that are welcomed in their communities. We actively promote wellness of body, mind, and spirit by provided an enriching environment of opportunities for all our residents.
We are committed to achieving a standard of excellence by being an embraced member of the community and by maintaining the trust, confidence, and support of the individuals we serve, making us the home where everyone wants to live.
A Glimpse Into Community Living Centers
Mary and Bob Wagner
Supporting Our Residents Since 1968
Our History
Mary Isabelle Wagner, founder of Community Living Centers, Inc. was a special education teacher and the mother of an intellectually disabled son.
In the late 1960’s, Mary Wagner was a part of the movement to de-institutionalize individuals with intellectual disabilities. She was a pioneer in the field and opened her first group home in 1968 to 6 gentlemen, and her family resided with them.
In the years that followed, Mary took her enthusiasm to Washington DC and worked with political leaders to establish the National Association of Private Residential Facilities, which is still in existence today.
Her efforts were recognized in the 1985 edition of Who’s Who in the Midwest. She also received a Presidential Award in the same year for providing excellent private residential services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
By the 1980’s, CLC had expanded to six privately owned and licensed group homes with a waiting list of over 100 people.
Today, CLC owns and operates 12 group homes supporting people with special needs 24 hours per day and provides support services to people with special needs living in their own community-based homes and apartments. We now employ more than 130 Direct Support Professionals, Medical Coordinators, Program Managers and Office Staff.
Until the early 2000s, we were a private agency funded mainly by the families of the people we serve and fundraising efforts, such as our annual gala, the Celebrity Chefs Dinner. We are no longer a private agency, but instead receive some of our funding through Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN), and continue to rely heavily on grants, fundraising and donations to provide the best care possible.
Mary passed away in December 2001. Bob Wagner, Mary’s very supportive husband, passed away in January 2007. Their son recently moved down to Florida to retire with his sister. He, along with the special needs students she taught, were the inspiration for his parents to create CLC; although Bob and Mary are no longer with us, we strive to continue their legacy by providing the quality and quantity of support and care all our residents need to grow and succeed in their communities.
Leadership Committed to Our Mission
CLC Board of Directors
Dennis Loughlin
Chairman of the Board/Treasurer
Warner Norcross + Judd | Partner
CLC Board Member Since: 2014
Lisa Murrell
President
CLC Board Member Since: 2010
Nathalie Demers
Secretary
CLC Board Member Since: 1995
James Guillaumin
Member
Qualfon | CFO
CLC Board Member Since: 2020
Lisa Vargo
Member
Plante Moran | Partner
CLC Board Member Since: 2021
Kevin Brusinski
Member
First Merchants Bank
Vice President Private Banking
CLC Board Member Since: 2021
Alicia LaBeau
Member
Auto Club Group (“AAA”)
Assistant Vice President, Office of General Counsel
CLC Board Member Since: 2023
We Need You!
We are seeking dedicated board members; if you’re interested, please reach out to Lisa Murrell using the button below.
Our Team of Dedicated Professionals
CLC Staff
CLC wouldn’t be able to provide the exceptional care and resources to our residents without our dedicated staff. Whether they work in the office or as part of our direct care team, every CLC staff member makes a significant difference in our residents’ lives. Their unwavering commitment and compassion ensure that each individual receives the personalized support and encouragement they need to thrive. We are incredibly grateful for our team’s hard work and dedication, which helps create a nurturing and empowering environment for all our residents.
Lisa Murrell
President
Lisa has been the Executive Director of Community Living Centers since September of 2010. She came to CLC with 25 years of experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities and has focused the past several years on ensuring that CLC carries on its mission to provide the highest quality services to their residents. Lisa is a graduate of Central Michigan University. She enjoy traveling, Tiger’s baseball games, cooking and spending time with her kids, friends and family in Atlanta.
Wendy Brown
Accounting Associate
Wendy is the original member of the Accounting Department sharing the responsibilities of Accounts Receivables, Accounts Payables, Financial Reporting, and Payroll. She has been with Community Living Centers for 15 years. Wendy loves to see the residents when they come into the office, each with their own unique personality and sense of humor. They always manage to put a smile on her face! Wendy loves being outdoors, gardening, and spending time up north.
Nathalie Demers
Assistant Director
Nathalie is the Assistant Director and began her career with CLC in 1995. She works closely with all the homes, ensuring that our residents receive the care and support they deserve. She can be seen every CLC event laughing and loving both the staff and residents. Nathalie loves being outdoors – walking her dog, hiking, being up north and hanging out with family and friends.
Julie Koehler
Accounts Payable/Payroll Specialist
Julie is a member of the Accounting Department sharing the responsibilities of Accounts Payables, Accounts Receivables, Financial Reporting and Payroll. She has been with Community Living Centers for 12 years and truly enjoys being a part of such a special group of people. Julie loves talking with the residents and seeing their smiling faces as they visit the office and excitedly recap their latest adventure. In her free time, Julie likes spending time with family and friends, playing tennis and golf, and traveling.
Valerie Globish
Accounting Associate
Val joined the accounting department in January of 2022. She shares in the responsibilities of Accounts Receivables, Accounts Payables, Bookkeeping, and Auditing. Val is enjoying learning how the residents are cared for and meeting and getting to know the staff. She loves spending time with her family, sharing in all kinds of new adventures with her beautiful grandchildren, volunteering, sewing, and hanging with friends.
John Wigent
Administrative Assistant
John Wigent is the office Administrative Assistant and started with Community Living Centers in November of 2022.
He is happy to be a friendly face for anyone that comes to visit and enjoys talking with our residents.
He also loves to spend time with his wonderful wife and two kids, as well as painting, listening to music, and all things Star Wars.
Richetta Akins
HR Manager
With 20 plus years of expertise in Human Resources and Operations, Richetta Akins is a result-focused leader who delivers talent acquisition, retention and motivation solutions that help companies harness the full power of their most valuable assets- their employees. She has obtained a wealth of knowledge over the years and her motto is “No man is an ocean, working together makes a world of difference”. Richetta attended Western Michigan University and University of Phoenix and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, and several Certificates in Human Resources. She began working at CLC in October, 2023.
Join Our Dedicated Team
Career Opportunities
Do you want to work in a place that is comfortable, fun, and safe? Do you want to work in a flexible working environment?
If you are motivated to serve others and believe that professional and personal integrity are essential in the workplace, we would love to speak with you!
Why Should You Work for Us?
We offer online training paid at $10.50/hr. Once completed, hourly wage starts at $17.35/hr. Our homes are convenient, comfortable, safe and with a wholesome family environment.
- Flexible Work Schedules
- Full-Time Benefits Package, Includes Health, Dental and Vision
- Paid Time Off
- 401k Retirement Plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Access to Numerous Resources
For more information about job openings and available shifts please contact 248-478-0870.
